Henry James Knapp: Albany man jailed for violent public assaults of partner only stopped by passing strangers

An Albany man who “viciously” kicked his partner of 10 years in public, and later breached protective bail conditions to assault her on two more occasions, has been jailed. Appearing in Albany Magistrates Court via video link from Albany Regional Prison, Henry James Knapp was sentenced for three counts of aggravated assault, two of which caused the victim bodily harm, and two breaches of protective bail conditions on Thursday. At 11am on December 13, 2023, Knapp and his partner were arguing in the Albany CBD when he felled her with a blow to the head before jumping on her leg and twisting her wrist until she screamed. The 38-year-old dragged the victim across Princess Royal Drive, striking her several more times in the head and “viciously” kicking her upper body before members of the public intervened and called police who arrested him. Knapp was released on bail on February 8, 2024, with an order not to contact or approach the victim. Less than two months later on March 27, Knapp pushed the victim to the ground, kicking her forehead and stamping on her foot when she tried to get up, leaving her with an abrasion to her cheek, severe swelling and bruising on her face and loose teeth. The third assault occurred on September 14 at Knapp’s home where he punched the victim hard in the ribs, injuring her and causing her to black out. The next day, Knapp followed the victim down Stirling Terrace and chased her into a cafe, where he screamed at her until patrons intervened. Magistrate Erin O’Donnell said while the victim often sought Knapp out, the aggravated common assault was a “very serious example of its type”, especially given it was in a public space. Knapp was sentenced to one year and 10 months jail, backdated to August 24, 2024. He is eligible for parole after 11 months.